Gavin Henson has accepted an invitation from the Barbarians to play against South Africa at Twickenham on December 4.

The match could be the exiled star's first game back after an absence that, by then, would have stretched to more than 18 months.

Henson is currently committed to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show and so it is unclear how he could possibly fit in any warm-up matches before facing the world champions.

But Henson's inclusion will test the player's theory that it will only take him a few games to be ready to play for Wales again.

Included among those who have accepted invitations to return to Barbarians' colours are Wallabies' skipper Rocky Elsom and multi-talented fly-half Matt Giteau who shared in the Club's victories over the Springboks in 2007 and New Zealand last December.

Among the All Blacks' contingent is Chris Jack, the 67-times capped lock who will play his fourth game for the Barbarians, while other New Zealanders will be announced next month.

Ospreys and Wales' scrum-half Mike Phillips is also set to make his Baa-Baas' debut.

Barbarians' contracts manager Mike Burton said, “All the signs are that we are putting together a very strong squad worthy of such a prestigious occasion.”

He added, “Obviously our invitation to Gavin will attract a lot of attention.

"He has other commitments outside rugby and he is conscious of the need for match fitness in order to do himself and the Club justice.

"We will be in regular contact with him and his home club, the Ospreys, in the next few weeks and, all being well, our big game at Twickenham will be the first opportunity to see him back on the representative stage.”

In a further link with last year's success against the All Blacks the Barbarians' squad will be coached by Nick Mallett, assisted by Alan Solomons.

Barbarians' president Micky Steele-Bodger said, “Both Nick and Alan made a big impression in the week that they were with us last December and we had no hesitation in inviting them back to work with our squad again. Both have a great empathy with the traditions of the Club and we know they will do us proud.”

The pre-Christmas event has been a popular attraction for the rugby public with the Barbarians' victory over the Springboks three years ago followed by the London Olympics' celebration game against Australia at the new Wembley Stadium in 2008. Last December in the inaugural MasterCard Trophy match the Barbarians beat New Zealand 25-18, also at Twickenham.

Tickets are now on sale via ticketmaster.co.uk / 0844 847 2492. Prices range from £35 to £65 for adults, £17.50 to £32.50 for juniors (under-16) and special family tickets (two adults, two juniors) are available.